The Fostering Black Bear Success Program connects students from a foster care background with available and needed resources both on campus and in the community.
Identified participants can receive case-management services through the Points-of-Contact at Penn Highlands. Our staff can assist with all aspects of college enrollment, including but not limited to:
- Application, financial aid assistance, and academic advising.
- Obtaining verification of foster care status on or after age 16.
- Assistance in accessing available Federal and State financial aid resources, and scholarship and grant opportunities including the Chafee Grant and the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program.
- Serve as a liaison with community resources and offices.
What Financial Support is Available for Foster Youth?
- FAFSA is the starting point to check your eligibility for grants, loans, and work study opportunities. Complete the FAFSA.
- Chafee Grant
- Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program
Campus Resources
- Food Share Program
- Emergency Funds
- Support services such as:
- Advising
- Tutoring
- Counseling
- ADA services and more
Community Resources
- Emergency shelter contacts
- Connection to County Assistance
- Food Pantry contact and more
Eligibility
To qualify for the Fostering Black Bear Success program, you must be an applying student or a currently enrolled student at Penn Highlands Community College, be between the ages of 16 and 25, and identify with one of the following statements:
- Identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged from foster care at the age of 16 or older, or
- Exited foster care at the age of 16 or older to adoption or permanent legal custodianship or Independent Living
To learn more about this program, please contact:
- Mindy Nitch, 814.262.6433